THE BEST OF CHINA
Price per person from US$2,339

THE BEST OF CHINA

From
US$2,339
From
US$2,339

Description

Discover a China where imperial history meets some of Asia’s most breathtaking landscapes. Journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai; walk the Great Wall, step into the legendary Forbidden City, and marvel at the Terracotta Warriors. Then, shift the pace amidst karst mountains and emerald waters with a Li River cruise and an authentic Tai Chi class in Yangshuo. The trip culminates in vibrant Shanghai, a blend of tradition, gastronomy, and modernity. Ten days to experience a fascinating, diverse China filled with memorable moments.

Visiting

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Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 9
This idea includes
Destinations 5
Accommodations 9

DAY 01 BEIJING

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, a car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Beijing is a vibrant blend of ancient history and modern culture, home to iconic landmarks.

Overnight in Beijing.

DAY 2 BEIJING (D+C)

(Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City + Temple of Heaven + Tea House)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a symbol of modern China. Afterward, take a walking tour of the magnificent Forbidden City—once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties—featuring majestic halls and ancient courtyards.

Next, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests; it is an impressive example of Ming architecture and spiritual harmony. Afterward, experience traditional tea culture at a local tea house, where you will learn about Chinese tea rituals and taste authentic brews. This concludes the day's itinerary. Return to the hotel.

Overnight in Beijing.

  • Included activity: Visit to a local family in a *hutong* (traditional alleyway neighborhood) with a hands-on paper-cutting class.
  • Dinner: Peking Duck.

DAY 03 BEIJING (B+A)

(Juyongguan Great Wall + Summer Palace + Pearl Factory)

Today, embark on a journey through breathtaking scenery to the Juyongguan Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to the architectural splendor of ancient China. Next, visit the Summer Palace—the former royal residence of the Qing emperors—renowned for its elegant pavilions and dreamlike lake views. Conclude the day with a cultural visit to a traditional pearl factory, where you will learn about the art of pearl cultivation and its role in Chinese heritage. Overnight in Beijing.

  • Lunch: Beijing Zhajiang noodles.
  • Optional: Acrobatic show at the Red Theater.

DAY 4 BEIJING–XI'AN BY TRAIN (D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will head to the station and take a high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's most historic cities. Traveling on China's advanced high-speed train is a comfortable and efficient way to experience the country's modern infrastructure, as it reaches speeds of up to 350 km/h while traversing diverse landscapes. Upon arrival, your guide and driver in Xi'an will meet you and take you to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Xi'an.

DAY 5 XI’AN (D+C)

(Terracotta Warriors + Small Wild Goose Pagoda + Muslim Quarter + City Wall)

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors—often called the Eighth Wonder of the World—where thousands of life-sized soldiers guard the tomb of China's first emperor.

Next, we will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Tang Dynasty relic that reflects ancient Buddhist architecture. Afterward, we will explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively area filled with local snacks, cultural charm, and vibrant street scenes. Before dinner, you will view the ancient City Wall from the outside—an imposing structure that once protected the heart of Xi'an. Overnight in Xi'an.

  • Included activity: Chinese shadow puppetry show at the Gao Family Mansion.
  • Dinner: Chinese dumpling banquet.
  • Optional: Tang Dynasty Show.

DAY 6 XI’AN – GUILIN BY PLANE (D)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will head to the airport and take a flight from Xi'an to Guilin, a city renowned for its stunning karst landscapes and serene natural beauty. Known for boasting "the finest mountains and rivers in the world," Guilin offers a perfect nature getaway with its limestone peaks, winding rivers, and charming rural scenery. Overnight stay in Guilin.

DAY 7 GUILIN-YANGSHUO (B)

(Yangshuo + Li River at Fuli + Tai Chi Class)

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the Yangshuo area. Relax in the beautiful countryside and immerse yourself in a timeless landscape. Enjoy a 90-minute cruise on the Li River near Fuli to admire the river's highlights. Ranked by National Geographic magazine as one of the world's top ten water wonders, the Li River resembles an emerald ribbon winding through thousands of karst peaks. Overnight in Guilin.

  • Included activity: Tai Chi class in Yangshuo led by a local master.
  • Optional: Four Lakes Cruise.

DAY 8 GUILIN–SHANGHAI BY PLANE (D)

Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, we will head to the airport to catch the flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Shanghai will meet you and take you to the hotel to rest. Overnight in Shanghai.

DAY 9 SHANGHAI (B + D)

(Jade Buddha Temple + Yuyuan Garden + Silk Factory)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, we will visit the Jade Buddha Temple, a tranquil sanctuary in the heart of the city that houses exquisite jade Buddha statues, attracting both the faithful and visitors alike.

Next, we will head to Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden featuring elegant pavilions, winding paths, and delicate rockeries, offering a glimpse into traditional Jiangnan design and lifestyle. Later, enjoy a cultural stop at a local silk factory, where you can learn about the history of Chinese silk production and admire the craftsmanship behind this prized fabric. We conclude the day's itinerary and return to the hotel. Overnight in Shanghai.

  • Dinner: Shanghai-style *Xiaolongbao* (soup dumplings)
  • Optional Program 1: TV Tower Observation Deck (second sphere).
  • Optional Program 2: Huangpu River Cruise.

DAY 10 RETURN HOME

Today we will head to the airport and take the flight back home.

Guide languages

Spanish
Day 1: Beijing
Day 2: Beijing
Day 3: Beijing
Day 4: Beijing, Xi'an
Day 5: Xi'an
Day 6: Xi'an, Guilin
Day 7: Guilin, Yangshuo
Day 8: Yangshuo, Guilin, Shanghai
Day 9: Shanghai
Day 10: Shanghai
  • 03 nights in Beijing
  • 02 nights in Xi’an
  • 02 nights in Guilin
  • 02 nights in Shanghai
  • Arrival and departure transfers in each city
  • Daily breakfasts as per the itinerary
  • High-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an
  • Domestic flights: Xi’an–Guilin and Guilin–Shanghai
  • Air taxes
  • Sightseeing and excursions with local guides
  • Entrance fees to sites listed in the itinerary
  • Visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
  • Visit to the Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall at Juyongguan
  • Visit to the Summer Palace
  • Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
  • Visit to the Muslim Quarter and exterior view of the Xi’an City Wall
  • Excursion to Yangshuo with a 90-minute Li River cruise
  • Visit to the Jade Buddha Temple and Yuyuan Garden
  • Cultural activities: hutong visit, paper-cutting, shadow puppetry, and Tai Chi class
  • Peking Duck dinner
  • Zhajiang noodles lunch
  • Dumpling banquet in Xi’an
  • Xiaolongbao dinner in Shanghai
  • Medical assistance coverage (up to age 70) with USD 40,000 coverage for illness or accident (travelers aged 71–84 and 85+ must pay a supplement for medical assistance and are ineligible for the cancellation upgrade; please consult your travel advisor)
  • Tipping is customary when traveling in China; hard work and effort should be acknowledged. For guides and drivers: USD 8 per person per day. For hotel bellhops: USD 2 per bag for handling luggage.
  • International and/or domestic flights.
  • Excess baggage fees.
  • Visa processing (if applicable).
  • Payment processing fees.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Any services not specified.
  • Additional transfers for early arrival in China or departure after the scheduled date.
  • Optional excursions.
  • Hotel surcharges for early check-in or late check-out.
  • Flight seat selection: requesting specific seats may incur an additional cost, determined directly by the airline.

Possible accommodations

4 accommodations

IMPORTANTS NOTES

RATES

  • Rates valid until December 27, 2027
  • Rates subject to change without prior notice – subject to availability – limited space
  • Prices fluctuate constantly; we recommend verifying them and not relying on this document as final.

CHILD POLICIES

  • 80% of the total price will be charged per child (under 12 years old) occupying a bed.
  • 60% of the total price will be charged per child (under 12 years old) without a bed.
  • Children over 12 years old = same price as adults.
  • For infants under 2 years old, the cost of the domestic flight will be charged; the price will be quoted based on the infant airfare established in the program.

RESTRICTED DATES

  • May 1–3, 2027; September 25 – October 8, 2027 (China National Day)
  • January 25–31, 2028 (Chinese New Year)

Triple rooms: please check availability with your travel agent.

HOTELS

  • This is a list of the hotels most frequently used on this tour. It is provided for reference purposes only; passengers may be accommodated in similar or alternative establishments of the same category.
  • Double and twin rooms. Most hotels have more twin rooms (with two single beds) than double rooms (with one large bed); therefore, we cannot guarantee that all clients will receive a room with a king-size bed. Room allocation is subject to availability.
  • Triple rooms. Configured as a double/twin room plus a rollaway bed. Rollaway beds are smaller than standard beds, typically 0.9 to 1.1 meters wide. Please manage guests' expectations regarding this prior to travel.
  • Most hotels in China feature central air conditioning. This system operates during winter and summer; however, during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn, the hotel decides whether to activate it based on daily weather conditions—a matter beyond our control. Some hotels may provide a fan upon request.
  • Hotel check-in and check-out. Standard check-in is after 3:00 PM, and check-out is before 12:00 PM.

OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS

Suggested visits or tours listed in the program are offered by our local operator and can be purchased either here or directly at the destination. However, if passengers decide to participate in these activities, they should not book them through a different operator, as tour schedules may vary. The guide has full authority to alter the order of scheduled visits for logistical, operational, or weather-related reasons, while still ensuring all contracted services are provided.

We accept no responsibility for services booked through other companies.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CHINA

  • Complete vaccination schedule
  • Yellow fever vaccine: the vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to travel.
  • Travelers over the age of 60 must present a medical certificate for travel.

Note: If you have not yet received the vaccine, please note that it must be administered at least 15 days before your trip.

VISA FOR CHINA

  • Panamanian citizens holding ordinary passports must obtain a tourist visa in advance to enter mainland China. Travelers must complete the application and submit the required documentation to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Panama. Requirements, costs, and procedures are subject to change; we recommend verifying them directly prior to travel.

Official information and requirements: Embassy of China in Panama

INCLUDED CULINARY EXPERIENCES

  • Beijing | Peking Duck Banquet. A Peking roast duck meal is a culinary celebration: the duck—crispy with glossy skin—is carved tableside and served with delicate pancakes, sweet bean sauce, and fresh garnishes for an authentic and unforgettable feast.
  • Beijing | Zhajiang Noodle Lunch. Enjoy a traditional Beijing Zhajiang noodle dish at a Michelin-recommended restaurant specializing in authentic, old-Beijing-style "fried sauce" noodles; chewy noodles tossed in savory pork sauce and topped with fresh vegetables, capturing the city's authentic flavor.
  • Xi’an | Xi’an Dumpling Banquet. The Xi'an Dumpling Feast—a time-honored culinary treasure—features over 100 exquisitely shaped dumplings, ranging from floral to animal designs. Bursting with rich flavors, they blend craftsmanship and tradition into a memorable dining experience.
  • Shanghai | Shanghai’s signature *xiaolongbao*. A classic local delicacy, these delicate soup-filled dumplings feature thin wrappers and a savory, broth-infused filling. Diners delight in their juicy texture and fresh umami flavor, making for an iconic local bite and an unforgettable gourmet experience.

TRIP NOTES

  • Travel documents are issued 8 days prior to departure.
  • This itinerary is subject to change due to road conditions, weather, unforeseen circumstances, or availability at the time of booking.
  • Departures are guaranteed for groups of 2 or more people; passport copies are required to confirm the booking.
  • Booking deadline: Reservations must be made at least 30 days prior to departure.
  • Confirmation and availability: All bookings are subject to confirmation and availability at the time of processing.
  • Passport copies and inbound/outbound flight details are required at the time of booking; these must be provided no later than 30 days prior to arrival to facilitate the booking of domestic flights and high-speed trains. Failure to do so may result in cancellation of the service without liability on our part.
  • Optional excursions may be booked at the time of reservation or locally in China with a local guide.
  • Our private guide accompanies guests on all optional excursions; these services are not outsourced to third parties.
  • For shows where the number of participants is less than half the group size, the booking will be confirmed, but we reserve the right to use Uber for transfers, including guide services.
  • We arrange private transfers and guide services for excursions. Vehicle size depends on the number of participants. If there is only one participant, the price is 1.5 times the listed rate.
  • Workshops and traditional shops: Visits to traditional shops last approximately 30–40 minutes, including a 15–20 minute explanation; these visits cannot be cancelled.
  • Most hotels in China feature central air conditioning. While systems operate during winter and summer, the hotel decides whether to activate them during the transitional seasons of spring and autumn based on daily weather conditions—a matter beyond our control. Some hotels may provide a fan upon request. The operator reserves the right to modify the price up to 30 days prior to departure due to circumstances beyond its control, such as fluctuations in the USD/RMB exchange rate, etc.
  • Please inform us if you have any food allergies.
  • Should there be any discrepancy in personal information between the passport submitted to us and the one actually used for travel, the operator accepts no liability regarding your trip. Passengers will be required to purchase new tickets at their destination at their own expense, subject to current fares and availability; no refunds will be issued for previously issued tickets. The operator is not liable for any losses or reservation cancellations resulting from incorrect personal information provided by the passenger.

Domestic flight baggage: Passengers are permitted to check in one piece of luggage weighing up to 20 kg and carry on one piece of hand luggage weighing up to 7 kg. Trains: There is no checked baggage service; passengers must carry their luggage on board and place it in the designated areas at the end of the carriage. Porter services may be requested at the train station and paid for on-site.

During Chinese public holidays—such as the first week of May and the first week of October—there are millions of Chinese travelers. If you are traveling within the country, please be aware of potential inconveniences caused by large crowds of domestic tourists during scheduled visits, so as to avoid confusion at your destination.

  • The operator reserves the right to adjust the order of visits, domestic flight schedules, hotels, restaurants, and local transportation, as well as to modify activities scheduled for free days based on local circumstances, without prior notice or any obligation to provide a refund. A prime example is the Forbidden City in Beijing: due to state-imposed daily visitor quotas, tickets often sell out within minutes of being released online and may be unavailable during peak season, despite extensive efforts to secure them. If this situation persists in 2025 without an increase in quotas or the reactivation of travel agency booking channels, the operator reserves the right to substitute the Forbidden City visit with an alternative if tickets cannot be secured, without liability for a refund.
  • Confirmed hotels are typically announced approximately 30 days prior to the trip. Any hotels mentioned in the visa application invitation letter (if required) are for reference only; please consider the final confirmation we send you to be the definitive one. Due to various government events or conferences coinciding with tourist arrivals, hotels may experience overbooking; consequently, the originally planned hotel might be replaced by another of the same category. Any such changes will be communicated in advance. The operator handles the booking and ticketing for domestic flights and trains to ensure the entire group can travel together. We reserve the right to modify flight or train schedules due to circumstances beyond our control.
  • In the event of a delay or cancellation of domestic flights that prevents passengers from completing scheduled visits, the operator will make every effort to reschedule the itinerary so the planned activities can still take place, provided there is no additional cost. Should any extra costs arise, passengers will be required to pay them on-site.
  • The Yangtze River cruise company reserves the right to cancel, advance, postpone, or modify itineraries for any reason.
  • The operator reserves the right to cancel or reschedule client bookings without a refund in cases of *force majeure*—including epidemic or pandemic outbreaks—occurring either in the destination area where services are to be provided or in the clients' home regions (including their home country or during long-haul travel to China).
  • We cannot guarantee that you and your travel companions will be seated together on the train. Some train journeys and flights may be scheduled for early morning departures to adhere to the itinerary.

CONDICIONES DE PAGO 

Depósito inicial $125.00 NO REEMBOLSABLE 

120 días antes del inicio del viaje 50% pago del valor del programa contratado

90 días antes del inicio del viaje 80% pago del valor del programa contratado 

60 días antes del inicio del viaje 100% pago del valor del programa contratado 

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